chapter 6

We spend the next few hours watching old films and drinking hot coffee while the gnawing anxiety begins to fester inside me as the minutes go by. I feel my wolf becoming restless, whining constantly as

my eyes flicker over the clock above the television, growing impatient as I anticipate the arrival of Elijah. My thoughts wonder as the movies play in the background; a constant buzz of noise while the others laugh and comment at the stories unfolding.

The room begins to dim as the night creeps in; a tired Mato makes his way off the sofa, stretching and letting out an exhausted, loud yawn before heading towards the darkening corridor, ready to call it a day.

I write in my notepad “Where’s he going?” holding it up to Dakota with glazed over eyes, waking her up. She shuffles up looking relieved to be freed from the ongoing boredom of the movie Isaac insisted of watching about a man who craved power, killing the current ruler to take his thrown on the promise of some witches. Nonsense if you ask me.

“Probably off to bed, we both have our own room’s here while you recover. He doesn’t really do much apart from eat and sleep. You’ll get used to him,” she laughs.

Her attention turns to Isaac as she raises an eyebrow mockingly; he remains oblivious, completely engrossed in the over theatrical movie.

His eyes widen; abruptly pulled from his daze when his phone begins to rhythmically buzz on the table, illuminating the dark room as the screen lights up as he quickly snatches it up, standing to his feet. He looks down at the phone and squint’s, adjusting to the brightness of the flashing screen.

He briefly looks up and shares a quick exchange with Dakota, eyebrows lowered as he meets her eyes making her sit up, she nods clearing her throat as if she’s acknowledging some sort of secret message - did they just mind link?

Without hesitation he turns away, heading towards the kitchen as he answers the persistent ringing pushing through the doors and disappearing out of ears reach. The film comes to an end and classical music fills the air as the credits begin to ascend,

muffling the faint unfolding conversation taking place in the neighbouring room. I suddenly feel the growing sense of anxiety run through me, now an acquaintance of mine with its unwelcomed frequent visits, making me feel uneasy at the obvious secrecy.

Dakota senses my concern and attempts to distract me “So, if you’re feeling up to it maybe in the next few days we can get you out for some fresh air. A walk around the park or something?” she asks cheerfully, sliding into my view as I continue to focus on the closed doors – intrigued by the private conversation.

The idea of stretching my legs and exploring the incredible City does sound good, to be honest the thought of a bit of fresh air sounds heavenly. It’s starting to feel stuffy in here, as the day has gone on I can’t help but feel confined in this apartment with all those surrounding me. Could I leave if I wanted to?

“We could visit some of the shops on the way back afterwards if you fancied it. Pick out some things for your wardrobe?” She stands up, swirling. Striking a dramatic pose with her hands on her hips, pretending to walk on a catwalk as she struts on her tip toes, forcing me to release a faint but rasp, painful chuckle briefly.

I clap my hands as she takes a bow laughing before spinning and jumping back gracefully into the sofa. I pick up my notebook “the walk sounds great but you’ve already given me so much. We don’t need to go shopping but thank you.” I hold up the notepad and she shake her head at me smirking.

“Not me, little wolf. The Boss has given us his card to get whatever you need and right now you’ve only got a few things. We gotta’ sort you out. Plus, the Boss never gives his card out. Like ever-“ she stares at me, her face completely serious before laughing.

“-Make the most of it, I know I would!” giving me a wink before she leans back into the sofa as Isaac walks back through the swinging doors.

He greets us smiling as he walks towards us, flicking on the switch to the lamp beside the sofa, casting a soft glow across the room. We both turn to face him, curious at what was said and with whom.

“Everything okay?” she asks as he sits down beside us. He closes his eyes and raises his hand, gently massages his temple, lifting his feet to rest on the table.

“Yeah, Elijah’s running behind. The um-“ he shuffles slightly “-the meeting didn’t go to well today so he needs some more time to try and smooth things over,” he answers, opening his eyes as his head turns, looking between us both.

“Oh, right,” she rolls her eyes “didn’t think it would, nothings ever easy with them mutts,” she scoffs. I raise my eyebrows completely lost at whatever they are discussing as she catches my stare quickly dismissing my curiosity “don’t worry Willow, boring business stuff,” Dakota sighs.

I smile and nod acceptingly but I can’t shake the lingering feeling that there’s much more to it than “boring business stuff”. It would help if I knew what type of business this pack run. Nevertheless, if it was that simple, why is everyone so secretive about it?

“He’s asked me to go join him in a while to see if I can help finish negotiations but I think it’s best I just head over there now“ he looks concerned before addressing Dakota “-will you be alright until he turns up?”

His eyes look stern, he appears much more assertive than before as I sense his aura has altered too, now feeling much stronger and more dominant as the air around him shifts. This must be his Beta side coming through.

She looks insulted “Of course I will! Who do you think I am? Some pup?” she sneers, sitting bolt upright darting an infuriated glare towards Isaac.

“Hey! I didn’t mean anything by it!” he laughs falling back into the sofa at her sudden burst of anger, riling her up even more as he wobbles trying to stand, catching his breath continuing to chuckle. He brushes his hand through his hair making it messy. I can’t help notice how handsome he is as the glow of the light hits his jawline.

“It’s a good job I think of you as a sister, if you were anyone else,” he snaps his head baring his teeth jokingly. He turns around and heads to the door, unbolting it before grabbing his black coat off the vintage coat hanger and putting it on.

“Yeah, yeah,” she mutters, not impressed by Isaac’s teasing.

He turns to face me “sorry I’m leaving in a rush but this is important. I’ll be back to see you soon, goodbye for now little wolf,” he smiles momentarily before opening the door and leaving without another word. A sharp click follows behind him as the door locks once more.

I stare at the door. Puzzled before picking up my notepad and writing “What was that about?” asking Dakota, hoping for some honesty now that we were alone.

She looks unsure of how to answer at first, repeatedly picking at a jagged piece of skin on her thumb contemplating what to say before responding “Your arrival has changed a lot of things. There were things in motion before your arrival. It’s changing in a good way though, trust me!” she laughs nervously grabbing my hand “-the Boss just has to get some things in order and a lot of people aren’t going to be happy about it but it’s nothing for you to worry about.”

She releases my hand turning her head quickly and reaching for her phone, her expression suddenly excited as she begins clicking away. I can’t help but think this is another attempt of distracting me from more questions yet again.